Imam Kashif Virk has been leading the 'Ask-a-Muslim' campaign, or 'Fråga en Muslim', to engage the public directly about Islam. The campaign, which began in 2017, involves volunteers from the Ahmadi Muslim community inviting conversations in various public spaces.
Virk stated that while some people can be rude, most Swedes are friendly and interested in learning more. The campaign seeks to counter a view of Islam that has been presented by Sweden's far right as being at odds with Swedish values.
Ahead of Sweden's general election on Sunday, polls indicate a narrow lead for the centre-left opposition. This suggests a potential change from the current right-wing minority coalition, which is supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats.
The ruling coalition has for the first time stated it would offer ministerial positions to the far right if it secures a victory. Munir Niazi, who works with the 'Ask-a-Muslim' campaign, described the situation as a "Pandora's box that has been opened."
During the government of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the far-right Sweden Democrats have influenced policies on migration and crime, using their position to link the two and attribute national problems to migrants, Muslims, and other minorities. This has shifted Sweden's national conversation to the right, according to Niazi.